Reason #12903481 I Love Fall

I have to share this recipe with all of you. I found this last year in Martha Stewart Living, but have altered it a bit since then. Below you will find the original, which is delicious but requires a lot of special ingredients. Following the recipe you'll see my modifications, which still create a perfect cup of hot apple cider!

Delicious Fall Recipe: Warm Vanilla Cider

Ingredients for 6 servings:

6 cups fresh apple cider
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar (packed)
2 whole nutmeg seeds
1 vanilla bean (split and scraped)
3/4 cup bourbon (if desired)
whipped cream and caramelized walnuts (for on top, if desired)

Directions:

Combine apple cider, sugar, nutmeg, and vanilla in a saucepan. Gently simmer over medium-low heat for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and add bourbon if desired. Remove and discard the solids. Divide into mugs and add the toppers!


Allison's Version of Martha's Hot Apple Cider:

Ingredients for 2 servings:

3 cups Trader Joe's Spiced Apple Cider
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
cinnamon to taste
Jim Beam Bourbon (if desired)

Directions:

Combine the cider, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon in a saucepan and heat (medium temp.) until you reach your desired temperature (about 5 minutes). If you would like to add the bourbon, put 1 shot in each mug and then add the cider. Stir and add whipped cream if desired!

Both versions are delicious. I've found the Martha version to be a little too expensive and hard to make when you have the impulse, because honestly...who has vanilla beans in their cupboard?? The TJ's spiced cider adds enough flavor that you can get by without adding too many ingredients and is just as yummy :)